High School Course Requirements
The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a first-time freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or higher is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.
| Area | Subject | Years |
|---|---|---|
| a. | History and Social Science (including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government AND 1 year of social science) | 2 |
| b. | English (4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature) | 4 |
| c. | Math (4 years is recommended) including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or higher mathematics (take one each year) | 3 |
| d. | Laboratory Science (including 1 biological science and 1 physical science) | 2 |
| e. | Language Other than English (2 years of the same language; American Sign Language is applicable - See below about a possible waiver of this requirement) | 2 |
| f. | Visual and Performing Arts (dance, drama or theater, music, or visual art) | 1 |
| g. | College Preparatory Elective (additional year chosen from the  University of California "A-G" list) |
1 |
| Total Required Courses | 15 | |
Waiver of "Language Other than English" Requirement
If you can demonstrate competency in a language other than English that is equivalent to or higher than that expected of students who have completed two years of language other than English study, you may be allowed a waiver to the foreign language requirement. For further information, contact the CSU campuses to which you are applying.
How to Make Up Missing Courses
If you didn't take all the required high school courses or earned D grades in some of them, you have several options to make up these courses and qualify for CSU admission. You can complete appropriate high school courses with a grade of C or better either in summer school or in adult school. Courses in this category must be those found on the high school or adult school UC "a-g" course lists. Some adult schools may not have a-g course lists.
You may also complete college courses with a grade of C or better in the missing subject areas. Finally, you can earn an acceptable score on examinations such as the SAT subject examinations, Advanced Placement examinations, or International Baccalaureate examinations.
If you are unable or do not choose to make up your subject deficiency, you may earn at least 60 units from a California Community College or other college and transfer as an upper-division transfer student, where only your college performance is considered for admission.
Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities
All freshman applicants are encouraged to complete 15 units of college preparatory subjects. If you are otherwise qualified, but unable to complete certain subjects because of your disability, you should contact the director of Disabled Student Services at the CSU campus you wish to attend to receive further information about your eligibility to attend the campus.
